Speedscience For Guitarists Lecture (Guitar Summit 2021)

Here is my lecture from the first GuitarVivo Modern Guitar Summit in December 2021.

Speed Science for Guitarists – Lesson Summary

In this  masterclass, I break down the science of developing guitar speed, merging insights from music, neuroscience, physiology, and strength training. The session isn’t just for shred-heads—it’s for all guitarists looking to improve technique, play with greater ease, and practice more efficiently.

Key Concepts Covered

1. Who Is This For?

  • Anyone aiming to play fast.
  • All other musicians who want to develop solid technique and time-efficient practice habits.
  • Teachers who want to help students progress faster, injury-free.

2. The Value of Technique

Technique is the vehicle for expression. Building headroom—being technically better than you need to be—helps you perform reliably even on bad days. Referenced: Victor Wooten and Frank Gambale on the importance of technique and capacity.

3. The Physiology of Speed

Speed is not just about muscles—it’s about the brain and nervous system. Muscular contraction starts in the brain, travels via the nervous system, and only then activates the muscle. Nutrition, rest, hydration, and stress all impact your ability to play. Bad days often come from things like poor sleep, overtraining, bad nutrition, or emotional stress—not lack of talent.

4. Understanding Tension

Myth: “Play without tension.” Truth: You need minimum necessary tension—enough to sound good and be in control, not more, not less. Learn to distinguish between necessary, excess, and unnecessary tension.

5. Nervous System Monitoring

Introduces tests like the 10-second dot test and tremolo picking test to monitor CNS fatigue. Encourages adapting practice to the current state of your nervous system. Physical and psychological stress (like gig anxiety) can sabotage your playing by shifting you into fight-or-flight mode.

6. The SAID Principle

Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands: You get better at what you specifically train. To play fast, you must train fast—practicing slow doesn’t make you fast, it makes you good at playing slow.

Different adaptations occur at different tempos:

  • Max Single Speed (MSS): Highest tempo you can play once
  • Max Cyclical Speed (MCS): Highest tempo you can repeat comfortably

Speed bursts (short, intense reps above MSS) are key for progress, especially for advanced players.

7. Programming Speed Practice

Practice should be planned like a workout: sets, reps, rest, and intensity matter. Use minimum effective dose to avoid injury.

  • Fewer reps and longer rest at higher tempos
  • More reps and shorter rest at lower tempos

A downloadable cheat sheet is provided to help guide this structured practice approach.

8. Beginner vs Advanced Players

Beginners benefit from the buffer effect—quick adaptation to new stress. Advanced players need precise, high-intensity input to progress. Teachers should protect beginners from misusing speed bursts before they’ve developed tone and timing awareness.

9. The Role of Mindset & Lifestyle

Guitar progress is tied to overall health: sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and mindfulness directly impact your nervous system and fine motor control.

Recognize life circumstances (like parenting, stress, workouts) and be kind to yourself on low-performance days. Micro-dosing practice (short, spaced-out sessions) is often more effective than long sessions.

Takeaways

  • You must train fast to play fast.
  • Monitor and support your nervous system like an athlete.
  • Bad days are often biological, not musical.
  • Nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mindset are vital parts of your practice routine.
  • Be strategic, be kind to yourself, and use science to guide your technique development.